Betty Louise
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Member # 7175
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True Forgiveness Is Not For Sissies
Years ago, my sister gave me a little plaque that said Old Age Isn't For Sissies, so true. It is not to you reach 60 that you truly understand this saying. But I believe there should be a plaque that says: Forgiveness Is Not For Sissies. Yes it is true we forgive others every day. We forgive our loved ones for "forgetting" to bring their dirty dishes to the kitchen, our teenagers for being late for curfew, and we forgive them when our family takes us for granted. We even forgive strangers for bumping us with their grocery basket. We even forgive that person for careless opening their door to far and putting the first ding in our brand new car. (This one takes a little more time 😝). We forgive these because for the most part these our accidents. But it is the actions done on purposes that is hard to forgive.
Forgiving things done to hurt is on purpose can take years to forgive. The affair our husband has, the person at work who so jealous of our new advancement at work that she spreads lies that scars our reputation, the person we thought we could trust with our confidence who shares our deepest thoughts and fears to everyone at our Church. These are the things that hurt the deepest and is the hardest to forgive. Sometimes the only way we can forgive them is to take joy in the idea that God will revenge us and He will make the pay. We may even look forward to the day we see the suffer with our own eyes. We justify ourselves with the Bible saying that revenge belongs to the Lord.
I was listening to a Pastor this morning and he read this verse: Luke 23:34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Jesus could have said that he was looking forward to seeing them rot in hell. But even in his suffering he felt pity for those who were killing him.
Acts 7:60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Again we see Steven praying for God to forgive those who were stoning him to death.
Forgiving others is important . Matt 6:14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
If you want God to forgive you, you have to forgive others. Even if you are only at the point of forgiveness that you are waiting for God to avenge you, that's great. But pray that God will help you seek for God to forgive those who hate you rather then live in waiting to see them suffer. There is a peace that will fill your heart when you start praying for that one that sought to destroy you. There is joy when you can pray that God will forgive that person you have forgiven. It will not be easy. Remember Forgiveness is not for sissies. God bless you.
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Luk 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Posts: 5051 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: May 2008
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